What is “Working at Heights Training” in Ontario?

Ministry of Labour (MOL) regulations on construction projects including home renovations require that everyone, including sub-trades and self-employed individuals, are adequately trained in the use of a fall protection system while working at heights, including the climbing of ladders above heights of 3 meters.

The Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) for the MOL in Ontario has established 2 working at heights training standards; a training programme for workers and a training programme for training providers.
Check out the standards e-laws under O. Reg. 297/13

What should I expect at an approved Working at Heights training program?
The approved standard training course consists of 2 modules:

Learning how to properly wear a safety harness is a critical part of the practical training

Module 1 (Basic Theory) is knowledge and awareness based and is a minimum of 3 hours long. It includes the fundamental elements on how to work safely at heights and covers topics such as:
Knowing rights and responsibilities related to working at heights, Identifying hazards of working at heights (focus on safety culture) Understanding the hierarchy of controls and limitations of personal protective equipment (PPE) Warning methods and physical barriers, Ladder safety, and basic introduction to PPE theory

Module 2 (Practical) contains more advanced information on fall protection systems and includes hands-on demonstration of equipment and procedures. It is a minimum of 3.5 hours long, and includes a practical demonstration of the proper use of fall protection equipment.
This module also covers topics such as:
Barriers and other fixed equipment, Fall PPE (travel restraint, fall restricting, fall arrest systems)Anchor points, Work access equipment and platforms & Rescue planning

How often do I need this training?
Once you pass the course, the training is good for three years. Before those three years are up, everyone must complete a refresher training course.

Thorough training should include actually designing and building a guardrail

What happen if workers or sub trades don’t complete the course?
It is within the power of MOL inspectors to issue an order requiring compliance within a certain time period. If the hazard was imminent, a stop work order can be issued at that time. Offenders can by prosecuted under the Provincial Offenses Act.

Are all Working at Heights Training courses the same in Ontario?
Ask yourself this: Are all home renovations or construction projects the same? Of course not; they’re all different! Although the basics are the same, not all courses deliver the same experience or extra services and therefore do not cost the same.

To be clear: The Ministry of Labours Standards demands that all Approved Training Providers deliver the same requirements, be it laws, workers’ rights and more. The subtle changes arrive in Module 2 (Practical) during the full-day course. This module 2 section is where everyone comes to life, getting off their butts and gets involved with hands-on participation.

Everyone in this module is required to don and doff (put on and take off) and full-size body harnesses. They are then required to be individually tested on fall systems. Once these exercises are completed, participants in the more complete courses may be asked to build a temporary guardrail system to the specifications required under the law. This ensures participants understand correct guardrail design to ensure everyone’s safety.

Some participants could care less what’s taught, and only want to pass a minimum course in order to be compliant. Serious participants on the other hand understand that more complete training adds to their knowledge, reduces future liability, and brings them into compliance on safety issues. This is particularly important for business owners; they must assume job site responsibility and liability.

Is there testing involved?
Participants must achieve a minimum 75% mark on their learned knowledge skills test, and a 100% mark on their individual test in using a complete fall system. Some providers run an ‘open book test’ on the knowledge skill test, while some are ‘closed’. Open means participants may use their notes or participant’s manual before answering questions.

Where do you find Approved Training Providers?
Approved Providers are listed ‘A-Z’ on the MOL web site.
You’ll also see CARAHS there (# Pro- 34609)

If you have questions on any safety issues or concerns, simply contact us Toll free at 1 866 366 2930.

CARAHS is an approved Ontario Ministry of Labour Working at Heights Provider # Pro- 34609

Toll free 1 866 366 2930

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